"People see their devices and they see like sick. … Your personality and confidence as a kid can follow you for years and years in the future," Sharkus said.

So far, she's been making the ExpressionMed tapes by hand, but recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for machine manufacturing. Sharkus says she wants other young women to feel inspired to go into business despite the gender gap.

"I walk into a business meeting and I'm like the only girl there. … It's hard to be young and in business, but it's definitely doable," she said.